Kejriwal visits Mundka fire site, announces Rs 10 lakh to kin of deceased
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited Mundka fire tragedy site to oversee rescue operations today. The CM met with families of the deceased as well as the injured victims. He assured full support to everyone affected during the visit and said no culprit will be spared.
About 30 people could be dead from the inferno that tore through a building in Mundka and 29 are missing, officials said on Saturday. The fire was reported on Friday.
“The building had a single escape route which is why there were so many casualties. Twenty-seven people have died. The building also did not have a proper blueprint. Most of the bodies were found on the second floor,” Chief Fire Officer Atul Garg told the media, reported PTI.
The inferno started on the first floor of the four-storey building in outer Delhi around 4.45 pm before quickly spreading.
Kejriwal announced that the Delhi Government will provide Rs 10 lakh to the families of all the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured as ex-gratia.
The Delhi Government has ordered a Magisterial Enquiry into the matter and will ensure the strictest possible punishment for culprits, the CM added. Expressing his grief at the incident, the CM said he is deeply pained and anguished to see the quantum of the tragedy and the Delhi Government will do whatever it can to support the victims. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Home Minister Satyendar Jain were also present during the inspection.
On Saturday morning, Kejriwal took stock of the on ground relief and rescue measures being taken at the site. On behalf of the Delhi Government, the Chief Minister offered his deepest condolences to the families of victims and assured best possible treatment for all the injured. He further consoled the grieving families and reinforced that the Delhi Government stands in solidarity with them and will do whatever possible to help them in this hour of pain.
Kejriwal said: “I am deeply pained and anguished to see the tragedy that has transpired at this complex in Mundka. We are all trying to rescue as many lives as possible. The fire was so devastating that it has become difficult to identify some bodies. We have set up a DM Helpdesk at the site to aid those filing missing reports. We will identify the bodies through FSL DNA testing as well.
“Even though no amount can make up for the loss of one’s life, as a measure of support the Delhi Government will provide an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the families of all the deceased.
“At the same time, the injured will be provided with Rs 50,000 as ex-gratia. We have ordered a Magisterial Enquiry into the matter and will pursue the strictest possible punishment for the culprits. The two main involved have so far been arrested. This is a horrific incident and the Delhi Government will ensure that the culprits are brought to justice. Once the enquiry report comes, be it an individual, officer or agency, no culprit will be spared.”
Sisodia took Twitter to express his condolences and said: “The fire accident which took place in Mundka is deeply tragic. Today, I visited the incident site with Kejriwal, and met with the victims and their families. Many people have lost their dear ones to this unfortunate calamity. The Delhi Government will provide financial assistance of ₹10 lakh to families of the deceased, as well as ₹50,000 to everyone injured in the fire.”
Jain tweeted: “I visited the incident site with the CM & Deputy CM in Mundka where a massive fire broke out. Kejriwal has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. Families of the deceased will be given a compensation of ₹10 lakh while the injured will receive financial support of ₹50,000.”
